Telangana BJP Leader Defends Modi Amid Election Code Controversy

N Ramchander Rao, the Telangana BJP chief, has defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi amidst allegations by CPI's P Sandosh Kumar, insisting that the PM's address to the nation did not breach the Model Code of Conduct, as it refrained from soliciting votes. The controversy emerged after Kumar wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner, claiming Modi's speech, following the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha, was a violation of the code.

Rao argued that Modi's speech merely exposed the perceived betrayal by the INDIA bloc towards women, labeling the opposition as "urban naxals." He maintained that the reaction to Modi's address highlights its resonance with the public, negating accusations of misconduct since no direct appeal for votes was made. The BJP leader emphasized the speech's focus on the injustice women faced.

The uproar comes as Kumar questioned the timing and partisan nature of Modi's address, accusing him of using state-run broadcasters for political gain amid elections in states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Kumar argued this contravenes the Model Code's prohibition against using official channels for political propaganda. PM Modi, on the other hand, criticized the opposition, suggesting their actions were insulting to women, a slight he believes will not be forgotten by female voters.